comma before of course

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A punctuation question about whether to place a comma before the phrase 'of course' in a sentence.

   Grammar: Used as a topic or question, not as a sentence part; it names a punctuation choice.

   The editor asked about the comma before of course in the sentence 'We will, of course, attend.'

   In the phrase 'comma before of course', the word 'before' shows the position being discussed.

   Learners often search for 'comma before of course' to check punctuation rules.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   The punctuation rule that a comma normally comes before 'of course' when it is a parenthetical comment in the middle or at the end of a sentence.

   Grammar: Describes a writing convention; use it when explaining punctuation choices.

   Patterns

   • use a comma before of course
   • no comma before of course

   Use a comma before of course when it interrupts the sentence: 'He is, of course, the best person for the job.'

   You do not need a comma before of course at the start of a sentence: 'Of course I will help you.'

   In formal writing, a comma before of course is common when it adds a comment, as in 'The results, of course, were surprising.'

Common combinations

comma before of course

The style guide has a section on the comma before of course.

use a comma before of course

Many teachers say you should use a comma before of course when it is not essential.

no comma before of course

There is no comma before of course when it begins the sentence.

Commonly confused: comma before of course or comma after of course?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “comma before of course”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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